Actress Essence Atkins believes that for women, who lead, to make a positive difference in the world they must be willing to re-invent themselves when facing new challenges.
That was the message she urged during an interview with The New Tri-State Defender.
The message meshed with the theme of this year’s Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis’ annual Tribute Luncheon, “Connect. Invest. Empower,” on April 20. Atkins was the keynote speaker.
Nearly 1,500 foundation supporters converged on Downtown’s Renasant Convention Center for the organization’s signature event that has garnered the support of major corporate sponsors and local organizations for nearly three decades.
Before lunch got underway, the 51-year-old beauty talked to The New TSD about her faith, her divorce, and becoming a strong and effective thought leader.
“If we are to make a positive impact upon our world, we, as women who lead, must learn the art of re-inventing ourselves,” said Atkins. “Addressing new challenges requires the strength of character to serve others with compassionate outreach. All women must be ‘re-inventors,’ not just in Hollywood.”
This was the first annual luncheon for newly anointed President and CEO Shante Avant, who has served in various capacities with the foundation for more two-and-a-half decades.
Avant expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of Memphis partners that have faithfully supported WFGM over the years.
“We are grateful for the support of the community and our corporate partners who help us to advance our mission,” said Avant. “This year’s luncheon highlights the importance of all sectors in our city, including nonprofits, government entities, residents, and community leaders…
“The Women’s Foundation is committed to creating a more equitable and just Memphis through connecting, investing and empowering women and families to reach their fullest potential.”
Avant said Atkins’ encouraging words as keynote speaker were ideal for this year’s luncheon theme.
Atkins got her first, big break in acting when she was only 13, appearing in the ground-breaking, family sitcom, “The Cosby Show.”
Since that time, Atkins became a familiar face in comedy sitcoms and films. Among them are “Half & Half,” “Malibu Shores,” “Smart Guy,” “Are We There Yet,” and “A Haunted House.”
Atkins is a trained dancer, a product of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, and dreamed of becoming a professional dancer. But she did some of that “re-inventing” she talked about and said “yes” to opportunity.
So many actors and actresses of a certain age fail to sustain a career in Hollywood, no matter how stellar and bright their beginning.
But Atkins consistently has worked in television and the big screen, enjoying the prestige and esteem of award-caliber recognition.
Twice Atkins was nominated for the NAACP Image Award. The first nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series was for her role as Dee Dee Thorne on the sitcom, “Half & Half.”
The second nomination was in the same category for her role as Suzanne Kingston-Persons in the sitcom “Are We There Yet?”
Some actors have not been blessed to enjoy decades-long success in the entertainment industry. Atkins invokes some power of influence and guidance others don’t.
Atkins will readily tell you that “God is the source” of all her success. Even when her life took an unfavorable turn, Atkins said God devised a unique avenue for getting through that difficult period.
Atkins weathered a public divorce from what she thought would be her life-long love, former Puerto Rican collegiate football free safety star Jaime Mendez, with whom she has a son. The two announced their divorce in 2016.
Remarkably, Atkins seemed to walk through the pain and disillusionment of divorce with poise and grace.
“Divorce is very much like death,” said Atkins. “There is a grieving process, and you must walk through it. Both my husband and I had our son, Varro, utmost in our minds and what he must have been feeling. We were committed as parents to promote his peace and joy above anything we were experiencing.”
Motherhood, Atkins said, “changes you forever. A mother loves in a way she has never loved before,” said Atkins.
“There is just nothing you would not do for your child. Varro is so thoughtful, so compassionate. He’s such a good kid. As his father and I co-parent, we are always looking for the best possible circumstance for his sake. Always, his happiness and peace come first. We continue to build from the ashes.”
But, Atkins said, God did something special for her during that time.
“Only weeks after filing for divorce, Marlon Wayans called with a project, ‘Marlon.’ It was a comedy sitcom based on his life.
“I played a newly divorced woman co-parenting with my ex. Marlon is such a good friend. He is Fred Astaire to my Ginger. God orchestrated that situation. As an actor, you recalibrate yourself to tell the story. That whole experience helped me tremendously.”
So, is the vivacious and alluring 50-something giving love a second chance?
“I want to start dating again, but this time, I’ll let God do it,” said Atkins. “There are some things I’m not going to do. So, I’m an outlier in that respect. But I’m open, and I have no doubt that God will send me His best.”
